If you are interested in BFing: I would skip the formula purchase and instead spend your money on a couple of good books about BFing. The first month or so can be incredibly difficult, and obtaining all the support you can early on can be the difference between quitting and continuing. Le Leche League has some great books, a monthly (or so) publication, supportive meetings and women that can get you started on the right track! By far, the money I spent towards fostering my BFing relationship with my son was the absolute best money ever spent. I will never forget the after hours, in home, visit from a leader that totally saved the relationship.
I would buy a 'boppy' called My Breast Friend over the Boppy. It fit me way better, was larger, so it lifted Jonah up closer to the 'spicket', and was more supportive in general.
I would buy a hospital grade electric pump. It makes pumping so much easier! And, make sure the nozzles you use fit! I would find a local lacatation shop in your area, and go visit.
I would buy a couple of decent nursing bras. Skip the Target/Walmart brand and go to a specialty shop for propper fitting. On that end, find clothing now that makes BFing easier to handle..not only around the house but for out and about, too!
As to other things, diapers seem to be all about fit. I used Pampers brand for newborn (swaddlers), but, at size 2, they didn't fit, and had that very inflexible fastener. I used Huggies after that. I liked the cloth-like feel, and never had leaks.
I would not put anything in the crib other than a fitted sheet. Not even a bumper pad. Course, Jonah didn't spend a whole lot of time in it (and even now gets the night time ride to his own bed!).
If you can, try to find the old-fashioned square playpen. I never used the two pack and plays my GF gave me. They are small, the mesh is not conducive to looking in or out, and did I say that they were small? LOL. The old fashioned 3 x 3 wooden ones rock. I managed to find two that people had in their homes. We made two mattress like covers (foam covered with terry cloth). And, these serve so many purposes, especially if you have dogs. I put Jonah in his when I showered, or, needed to do a few things around the house, and felt comfortable with his 'safety'.
I would get a baby bath tub, a wipes warmer (nothing says, "hello, wake up and scream now" like a cold wipe on a warm bum), a Britax seat, a SMALL stroller...I gotta tell you, nothing says, "get that damn thing outta my store" faster than a stroller larger than a Hummer. They are too big to use, too hard to navigate, etc.
I would get the aquafor....WAY better then any other bum cream, and my son has the sensitive skin award for 4 years running.I would stay with a generic soap/shampoo. I did use the baby detergent, but, really, it was for the smell more than anything else. I heard the local Children's Hospital uses regular detergent. (but, what do they know, right?).
I went through a lot of onsies....trying to find the snap/pull around instead of the over the head ones was super hard, too!
I was one of those moms that dressed her child in sleepers for the first year. LOL, well, close to it. I did very litte 'dressing' of Jonah. I didn't do the shoes, the shirts, the pants, the socks. In fact, Jonah's first shoes were one his first birthday. Up til then, he wore socks, and when he started walking, he wore "Robees". Clothing wise, it was simpler and cheaper. (I do dress him now for preschool).
I wouldn't buy stuff you don't need for the first 6-8 months now. You don't need to 'baby proof' your house now, unless you are birthing a 8-9 month old. Save your money, the storage space in your home, and the stress of trying to do it all now. I am single, work full time, and still managed to find the time to do it later. Plus, I am really old, so, if I can do it timely, so can you youngins'.
For people with cats, I would definetly spend the $30 and get a crib tent. That way, when your child IS in the crib, you aren't worried about the cats jumping on top of your children (though I have a hard time imagining MY cats doing this.., but, money well spent).
I would skip the baby monitors, it just encourages anxieties. I would skip the baby DVDs..since the AAP is pretty strong that TV for infants is not appropriate.
I would buy a bassinet/co-sleeper thing/moses basket for your room. I didn't buy one before Jonah was born. We stopped for one on the way home from the hospital. I couldn't bear the thought of this tiny newborn sleeping in another room, in such a big space (crib).
Otherwise, remember that you need a lot less that you think. Remember to think of things that will make this transition easier for you! Maybe that means getting a hair cut before, having someone clean your home for the first 6 months, cooking, shopping, etc.
Finally, at your 7-8 month, get some professional shots done- at whatever your comfort level, to memorialize the experience. I didn't do it, and regret it.
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Originally Posted by Cataholic
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